Get a Rare Behind-the-Scenes Peek at Buckingham Palace's Big Renovation
Royals fans will already know that Buckingham Palace has been undergoing some major renovations, and the Windsors just shared an update on how the ambitious project is going.
Over the weekend, a video was posted on the royal family's official Instagram account highlighting the historic wallpaper conservation project that's currently taking place inside Queen Elizabeth's official residence.
The wallpaper inside the East Wing's Yellow Drawing Room dates back to the early 19th century, and has been in need of attention for some time, wallpaper conservator Allyson McDermott explains during the video. The ongoing renovation works inside the East Wing—which includes installing a new elevator—puts the wallpaper at greater risk of damage, because of the vibrations involved.
For that reason, it's "the perfect time" for the wallpaper to be removed and conserved, McDermott explains. "We are very carefully removing the wallpaper, beautiful 19th century Chinese wallpaper, piece by piece, and then we will take it back to the studios to conserve it and preserve it for the future," she says. Once this process is complete, the wallpaper will be returned to the room.
The Telegraph has reported that this huge renovation project, which is being overseen by Prince Philip, will cost £369 million and is expected to go on for several more years.
In addition to historical conservation efforts, the renovation will also address issues with the palace's outdated wires and pipes.
"The palace's electrical cabling, plumbing and heating have not been updated since the 1950s," Sir Michael Stevens, who is Keeper of the Privy Purse and Treasurer to the Queen, explained last year. "The building's infrastructure is now in urgent need of an overhaul to avoid the very real danger of catastrophic failure leading to fire or flood, and incalculable damage to the building and priceless works of art in the Royal Collection."
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